Faster way to get a spike?

matt b

Active Member
Ive been using raw shrimp for about a week and still have yet to get a spike. I have switched out the shrimp once so far. Is there any other way?
 

spiderwoman

Active Member
Isn't there a product called Bio Spira or similar that introduces healthy bacteria to your system and helps it cycle faster?
 

ophiura

Active Member
Do you have LR in the tank? If so, you may never get a spike and it is fine.
IMO, Biospira would be a waste of money (in general) and especially if you have LR.
You could always add pure ammonia :) But you may just want to get a couple of shrimp and put them in there at once.
 

matt b

Active Member
Originally Posted by ophiura
http:///forum/post/2470318
Do you have LR in the tank? If so, you may never get a spike and it is fine.
IMO, Biospira would be a waste of money (in general) and especially if you have LR.
You could always add pure ammonia :) But you may just want to get a couple of shrimp and put them in there at once.
ya its a 75 55 lbs of LR from a old tank of mine and 50 lbs of sand. so if my tank can handle 3 raw shrimp for a week you think i can take then out wait a week and add clean up crew?
 

gmann1139

Active Member
How long did you wait before you 'switched out the shrimp'? The key is to leave the shrimp in long enough to rot. With a 75 gallon tank and 1 shrimp, I would expect it to take over a week to cycle.
With 1 shrimp, it took me 5 days to get a spike on a 12 gallon tank, and I didn't even take it up to 1.0 like most people recommend.
Even with LR, you should see a spike, though you might not catch it with your testing.
I would throw the 3 shrimp back in, wait a week, test and retrieve. You should see something by then.
 

matt b

Active Member
I let the shrimp rot for 5 days befor switching. but ill leave the new ones in for a few more days.
 

matt b

Active Member
Originally Posted by gmann1139
http:///forum/post/2470479
How long did you wait before you 'switched out the shrimp'? The key is to leave the shrimp in long enough to rot. With a 75 gallon tank and 1 shrimp, I would expect it to take over a week to cycle.
With 1 shrimp, it took me 5 days to get a spike on a 12 gallon tank, and I didn't even take it up to 1.0 like most people recommend.
Even with LR, you should see a spike, though you might not catch it with your testing.
I would throw the 3 shrimp back in, wait a week, test and retrieve. You should see something by then.
If i missed the spike then i would see nitrates or nitrites
 
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